DAYTON, Tenn. -- It took a little longer than expected due to a winter storm blanketing the region with snow, but the University of Pikeville softball team opened its season on Saturday, dropping both games of a doubleheader at Bryan College 8-0 in five innings and 3-0.

UPIKE collected just two hits in the run-ruled opener as Bryan's Sarah Hundley threw eight strikeouts in a complete five innings of work. Hawley Ill allowed just two runs on eight hits in four innings to take the loss. The Bears trailed just 2-0 heading into the fifth inning before reliever Lauren Barnes allowed the final six scores while recording just one out.

Bryan scored two runs in the second inning of game two as well before adding a single run in the fourth as it shut out the Bears again.

This time around Sydney Morris fared better in the circle for UPIKE, striking out nine and allowing the three runs on seven hits in a full six innings of work. Katie Sims picked up the win, tossing seven innings of shutout softball. She finished with nine strikeouts as well and scattered just four hits.

UPIKE's two hits in the opener came from outfielder Haley Jo Patton who roped a triple and junior shortstop Hollie Hinkle. The Bears collected four hits at the top of the order in game two, getting one each from Patton, outfielders Kayla Brown and Brandi Jo Howard and catcher Eady Beth Connally.

Catcher Ashley Brown had a monster day for Bryan, finishing 5 for 5 at the plate with an RBI double, walk and three runs.

The Bears are scheduled to back in action at 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday a Union in Barbourville, Ky. 
 

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